*** $3,000 Signing Bonus ***

The Golisano Autism Center is transforming the delivery of autism services in the region. A comprehensive, enriched and innovative new model co-locates resources offered by multiple providers, experts in ASD knowledge, and in their specific services areas. Multiple autism service providers work collaboratively under one roof at the Golisano Autism Center. Happiness House offers preschool and daycare programs on site.

Pay Range: $46,800 - $64,000

Reports to: Director of Children’s Services

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week). Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday during program hours. Evening work may be required as job duties demand. This is a school year position which includes our 6 week summer program.

Summary/Objective: The Special Education Teacher plans and provides educational instruction to young children with disabilities in a pre-school classroom. Creates and maintains a structured and effective program and safe environment that provides for the individual development needs of the children. The Special Education teacher works collaboratively with all members of the classroom, therapists, and psychologists.

Essential Functions:

1. Imparts agency philosophy of “Equal Opportunity, Independence and Realization of Individual Potential” to children, families, program staff, and community resources.
2. Maintains confidentiality of information relating to individuals and their families in accordance with agency policy and FERPA regulations.
3. Administers standardized assessment tools to obtain data necessary for the development of the identified special needs student’s Individual Education Program (IEP) following all NYS learning standards set forth for the Preschool student.
4. Develops Individual Education Program (IEP) goals for each child identified. Documents progress through quarterly goal updates and amends goals as needed.
5. Demonstrates knowledge of technology and literacy devices which enhance the instructional opportunities for individual children.
6. Organizes a structured instructional program providing for the individual developmental needs of special needs children in collaboration Teacher’s Assistant.
7. Maintains all required paperwork, including daily/monthly attendance records.
8. Adapts and modifies the early childhood curriculum/lesson plans to meet the needs of the children with special needs.
9. Demonstrates the ability to incorporate individual student, family, and socioeconomic backgrounds to enhance learning and communication.
10. Participates in all parent-teacher conferences for special needs children.
11. Attends all staff and discipline meetings.
12. Coordinates classroom team and planning meetings to facilitate appropriate programming for each child.
13. Participates in school district Committee on Preschool Special Education and Committee on Special Education meetings.
14. Supervises students, interns, and volunteers placed in the classroom setting.
15. Develops 1:1 Aide plans defining roles and responsibilities of 1:1 Aides assigned to any student in the classroom.
16. Utilizes techniques/methods specific for children who require additional learning support or learning style. (discrete trials, visual strategies, etc).
17. Defines programs/lessons in conjunction with the paraprofessional and Coordinator.
18. Provides feedback to classroom staff on techniques to improve student success and will train or re-train if needed to ensure the success of staff and students.
19. Handles emergency health situations that may develop.
20. Schedules parent and family classroom visits in conjunction with Director or designee.
21. Requisitions supplies and equipment through the Department Coordinator and Program Director or designee.
22. Develops an annual inventory of all classroom equipment and supplies in collaboration with the elementary education teacher.
23. Participates in conferences, and workshops. Department meetings and in-service training as needed or recommended to enhance job skills and personal growth and development.
24. Adheres to the agency’s policies and procedures as well as department guidelines.

Competency Requirements:

1. Strong Leadership Skills.
2. Effective Communication Skills.
3. Effective Classroom Management Skills
4. Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment
5. Ability to facilitate group meetings
6. Ability to set priorities and adapt to change

Supervisory Responsibility: Directly supervisors 1:1 Aides, Paraprofessionals, Teacher Aides, and Teaching Assistants assigned to the classroom if in a single teach model. If in a co-teach model, would supervise the 1:1 Aides.

Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment: This job operates in a preschool program environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit, stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 30 pounds. The employee must frequently push/pull objects up to 100 pounds.

Travel: Travel is primarily local during the business day, but employee will be expected to work at any of our partner agencies. Some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected.

Required Education and Experience:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Education with NYS Certification for Students with Disabilities (Birth – Grade 2) or NYS Certification in Speech and Language Disabilities.
2. Experience with young children with developmental delays.
3. Knowledge of child development, developmental disabilities and student learning.
4. Knowledge of content and instructional planning and implementation.
5. Proficient computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
6. Ability to modify classroom activities to accommodate the individual needs of the children.
7. Must have demonstrated commitment to performing job duties and tasks at a high level of performance.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications: None